Antique Cast Iron Bateau Bathtub on Feet — c. 1900
A rare and early example of the antique cast iron bateau bath, made around 1900. The "bateau" — French for boat — takes its name from the sweeping double-ended form, with both sides curving upward in a shape borrowed directly from the copper baths that were falling out of favour at the close of the nineteenth century. Copper's beauty came at the cost of constant upkeep; enamelled cast iron offered the same graceful silhouette at a fraction of the maintenance. This piece stands right at that turning point, faithfully echoing its copper predecessor while ushering in the modern bathroom.
The enamelled clawfoot bathtub is in remarkably good condition for its age. The original enamel retains a strong, even gloss throughout. One small chip is visible on the rim — an honest mark of more than a century of life, with no effect whatsoever on use or water-tightness. The ornate acanthus-leaf feet give the bath a sculptural, almost architectural presence. As later production simplified the bateau form into something altogether blander, early examples like this one have become increasingly hard to find.
Features:
- Double-ended bateau form with two symmetrically rising sides
- Decorative cast iron feet with acanthus-leaf detail
- Enamelled cast iron — enamel original and glossy
- One small chip on rim; no impact on use or water retention
- Age: made around 1900
- Material: enamelled cast iron
- Condition: good — ready to use
Dimensions:
- Length: 167 cm
- Width: 77 cm
- Height: 78 cm
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